Toulon had two players sin-binned early in the second half with former All Black prop Carl Hayman yellow-carded for a spear tackle on USA winger Takudzwa Ngwenya. He was quickly followed by former England flanker Steffon Armitage.

With the scores level at 18-18, Yachvili made the most of his lifeline to land the winning penalty in a disappointing final of Europe's second tier competition.

The win also meant Biarritz qualified for next season's Heineken Cup while big-spending Toulon, for whom Wilkinson kicked all the points, were left still waiting for a first European title.

Toulon had hung in there all game despite Yachvili's kicking masterclass and Wilkinson was in position for a last-gasp drop-goal attempt that would have brought extra-time.

But the Toulon pack left him stranded, conceding a penalty on the eighth phase of the attack that confirmed Biarritz's victory.

Biarritz had to win to qualify for the Heineken Cup for a 13th consecutive season after finishing ninth in the Top 14 following a disappointing domestic campaign.

The relief and joy was evident from the reaction of senior players like Damien Traille, while Toulon and Wilkinson now have to turn their attention to the Top 14.